At least 55 people have been sickened in a multi-state outbreak of E. coli and Salmonella linked to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota-based grower, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak, which has affected 15 states, prompted the company to initiate a voluntary recall of contaminated products, while federal officials warned consumers and retailers to avoid eating or serving the sprouts.
Outbreak Details and Affected States
The outbreak, which began in late May and continued through August 8, has resulted in 46 confirmed E. coli infections, seven salmonella cases, and two individuals infected with both pathogens, officials said. At least four people have been hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported. The CDC and FDA identified the sprouts as a common factor among patients, with illnesses traced to alfalfa sprouts sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands to restaurants and grocery stores.
States with reported cases include Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, North Carolina, Florida, Washington, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and New Hampshire. Minnesota and Wisconsin accounted for the highest numbers, with 23 and 17 cases respectively, according to state health departments. The true number of affected individuals is likely higher than reported, as officials noted underreporting is common in such outbreaks.
FDA Actions and Company Response
The FDA initiated an inspection and sample collection at Everything Sprouts on August 19, following earlier warnings of serious violations
at the facility. Inspectors found insanitary conditions,
including roof leaks dripping onto produce, clean employee smocks, and build-up of black organic matter
on irrigation equipment, which could have contaminated the sprouts. The agency has urged the company to conduct a recall, which it did on August 21, targeting specific lots of alfalfa sprouts distributed to third-party retailers and grocery stores since May 27.
Everything Sprouts stated in a public statement that it had conducted daily tests since the outbreak began and has not received any positive lab results.
The company also claimed no reports of illnesses involving Everyday Sprouts Alfalfa Sprouts have been reported to the company.
However, the FDA and CDC have linked the sprouts to the confirmed cases, prompting the agency to advise consumers to discard affected products and sanitize surfaces that may have come into contact with them.
Health Risks and Consumer Guidance
E. coli and salmonella infections can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Salmonella infections are especially dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems, young children, and older adults, the FDA warned.
Consumers who ate Calco or Everything Sprouts-brand alfalfa sprouts and are experiencing symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately. The FDA emphasized that the contaminated sprouts may not show visible signs of spoilage, making it critical to follow the recall instructions. Retailers are also urged to remove the products from shelves and notify customers.
Historical Context and Regulatory Warnings
This is not the first time Everything Sprouts has faced regulatory scrutiny. Last year, the FDA cited the company for insanitary conditions
during an inspection, including water contamination and poor hygiene practices. The agency’s current investigation aims to determine whether additional products or facilities are involved in the outbreak. The CDC and state health departments are also tracing the source of contamination through traceback data from restaurants and grocery stores.
The outbreak adds to a broader pattern of foodborne illness linked to raw sprouts. A 2002 study cited in a CDC publication highlighted the risks of sprout-associated bacterial infections, noting that pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli can persist in sprouts without altering their appearance or taste.
